When legendary broadcaster Chris Schenkel bade the Professional Bowlers Association Tour a tearful farewell in 1997 after a successful 36-year run on ABC, the Tour's popularity was in a downward spiral. Most believed the PBA Tour would not see such heady days again. Now, the 52-year-old organization, which has struggled to attract sponsors and stay afloat for years, is throwing what might be considered a Hail Mary pass with this week's Tournament of Champions in Las Vegas.

Kulick left all the guys in the gutter, beating Chris Barnes in the final of the 45th Tournament of Champions. Kulick outscored Barnes 265-195 to take home the $40,000 first prize and a two-year PBA Tour exemption. The 32-year-old right-hander earned a berth in the Tournament of Champions by winning the PBA Women's World Championship last September.